This is as close as a reporter can get to finding out what is behind a candidate for office.

Unexpected sincerity in candidate’s voice
Posted: Thursday, July 8, 2010 2:00 am
By Rayanne Schmid, Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel

“Somewhere in the speeches, parades and public appearances, politicians can lose their more human side.

Constituents equal votes. Enough votes puts him in office. A successful term or two leads to a push up the political ladder.

Talks with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill White and his wife Andrea prove that people still exist who can sit down and simply talk about the issues. No rhetoric.

That there are people who care about the government’s mission more than the position’s power.

I am sure most of you have realized that I tend to be a bit conservative – attributable to my native Texan upbringing in a Christian, German-Irish family of law enforcement officers and elementary school teachers.

But I also call it how I see it – no matter the party affiliation or preconceived notions involved.

In my 18 years as a journalist, I’ve learned that too many sit-down conversations with political long-timers sound nearly robotic. Lines come across rehearsed or the politician too often glances at an assistant to assure he is sending a consistent message.

In some of those sessions, I asked myself, “Where is the heartfelt message? The passion to make a difference?”

On two separate occasions, I found Bill and Andrea White to be friendly and gracious with their time. They appear to value visiting with small communities, associations and most of all newspapers.

Gov. Perry made it quite clear in the primaries that he had little use for visiting newspaper editorial boards, and essentially shunned the thousands of town residents who rely on the newspaper for their main source of information.

It’s a decision which won’t soon be forgotten.

Bill White, on the other hand, made an appointment with The Daily Sentinel staff early in his run. His messages and ideals for the state came across loud and clear, with no doubt what area heavily piques his interest – education. A man after my own heart.

In addition, Bill White is making appearances such as a debate in Kerrville with Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Kathy Glass, in which Gov. Perry declined to participate.

White also spoke to the Texas Press Association in San Antonio, the American Legion state convention in Beaumont among other stops along the way.

Standing firmly behind Bill and his campaign for governor is his wife, an attorney who became a noted children’s author, as well as their three children.

Andrea White spends a share of time on the road seeking supporters in places like Fort Stockton, Seguin, Wichita Falls and Dallas.

Mrs. White stresses that her husband, “is a competent business man who cares about this state.”

She explained that Bill White is “tight with money” and can cut a tax rate while increasing services. “Don’t get fooled by labels,” she said of his decision to run as a Democrat.

In the conversations, the Whites’ humanity shines through. A sincerity rings true in their voices. They seem to care deeply about Texas, their family and one another.

No robotic replies. How refreshing.”